Event Details

FARALLON ISLANDS TRIP CONFIRMATION & DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Thank you for reserving a space on an Oceanic Society Farallon Islands trip departing from San Francisco. This email confirms your reservation, and provides important details about your trip including our Weather Status number. You should call the weather status number on the morning of your trip for updated departure information. Please read the entire packet and if you have any questions prior to your trip, please call our office at 415-256-9941 Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. The office is not open on Sundays.

Please read this document carefully and forward to all members of your party.

San Francisco at 7:30 a.m. - San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor located at 3950 Scott Street, San Francisco, CA 94123. Parking is free but space is limited. You will return to this dock at 4:00 p.m. Map Link:https://google.com/maps Search: SF Marina Yacht Harbor

TRIP STATUS: Trips may be cancelled by the Oceanic Society for any of these reasons:

Hazardous Sea Conditions – on the morning of the trip the Captain will assess sea conditions, specifically offshore wind and waves. If he determines it is unsafe to go out, the trip will be cancelled. Weather offshore can be dramatically different from weather on land. Trip status is not available earlier than the morning of the trip as weather conditions can change overnight. Please call the Weather Status number below on the morning of your trip for an updated trip status. If it is raining, but sea conditions are safe, the trip will still depart. For those of you travelling long distances, we recommend planning an alternate activity in the area in the event the trip has to be cancelled.

Under-subscription – advance notice will be given along with an opportunity to reschedule to another day or receive a refund.

Other acts of God.

WEATHER STATUS (415) 256-9524

Call after 6:00 a.m. for 8:00 a.m. departure

NO-SHOWS & LATECOMERS: If you are late & the boat departs without you, or you decide not to go out, the entire fee is forfeited and no refunds will be given.

SEASICKNESS: Seasickness is a real possibility as this is a rigorous open ocean trip. We strongly urge that you consult a pharmacist or physician about sea-sickness precautions and adhere strictly to manufacturer’s directions (especially if medication must be taken hours prior to boarding). Be well rested the morning of your trip, avoiding alcoholic beverages the previous night. On the day of your trip, eat a high-protein, non-fatty breakfast. Bring crackers and soda if you anticipate queasiness. Remember, prevention is the only cure! The boat does not turn around due to seasickness.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK: This is a rigorous open-ocean trip. There are inherent risks in being on a vessel on the ocean. Our Naturalist or Captain will speak to you about ways you can ensure your safety, but the boat will be moving with the waves and swells, so please hold on as you move about the boat. You will be asked to sign an acknowledgement of the potential risks before the trip departs. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you follow the instructions of the crew and naturalist at all times.

NATURALIST: An Oceanic Society Naturalist will meet you near the stone building at the entrance to the pier. Please do not disturb the Harbormaster as he doesn’t have information about our trips.

EQUIPMENT: Binoculars, sunglasses and sunscreen are strongly recommended. You may also wish to bring a camera with a telephoto lens and a lens cover to protect your camera from spray. Insect repellent is optional. We may encounter non-biting kelp flies at the islands.

PHOTOS: Oceanic Society is always looking for wildlife photos from our trips to share with our followers. If you take photos and wouldn’t mind sharing them (with credit, of course) please send them to our office at redstone@oceanicsociety.org

CLOTHING: Warm layered clothing with a waterproof layer is essential. We suggest a jacket, sweater, hat, gloves, warm socks, waterproof, non-skid boots or shoes and a rain jacket for sea spray, rain or wet fog. Our trips go rain or shine, so be prepared. There is limited seating and not everyone can be in the cabin at the same time.

FOOD and DRINK: Our vessels do NOT have food available. Bring your own snacks and beverages in a day pack. The vessel cannot accommodate coolers or picnic baskets. In an effort to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans, OS suggests that you refrain from bringing single-use plastic water bottles.

If you would like more information about plastics pollution in our oceans, please visit the following websites:

REFUNDS: Reservations are non-refundable unless Oceanic Society cancels the trip for some reason. If you, or a member of your group cannot participate due to illness or other emergency, you may give or sell your tickets to another party. The bonus Farallon Island DVD is not included with any trip refunds. In no event shall our liability exceed the obligation to refund the amount you paid to us.

RESCHEDULING: If you need to reschedule your trip for some reason, please call or email the office at 415-256-9941 or redstone@oceanicsociety.org. You may only reschedule within the same season.

RETURNED CHECKS: There is a $10 service charge on all returned checks.

Children under the age of 10 are not permitted on the boat. No exceptions.

OS strongly recommends that children wear a life jacket on the boat at all times.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

If pregnant, the unpredictable movements of the boat could result in a loss of balance. Therefore, we strongly suggest scheduling your trip for another time.

VESSELS: OS primarily uses theSalty Ladyfor trips, however, in certain circumstances another vessel may be substituted. All vessels carry life vests, are Coast Guard certified, and insured, with limited indoor and outdoor seating.

TURN-AROUNDS: In the unlikely event a trip turns around after departing the dock, Oceanic Society has this policy:

Return to the dock within the first 4 hours: a $60 per person fuel charge will be assessed

Return to the dock after 4 hours: the trip will be considered complete. No refunds or rescheduling will occur.

GROUP BOOKINGS: If you are the coordinator for a group, you are responsible for distributing copies of this information including CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS and TRIP STATUS PHONE NUMBER to all members of your group.

Sunday, August 3, 2014 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (PDT)

Organizer

Oceanic Society

Oceanic Society was founded in 1969 as the first non-profit organization dedicated to marine conservation. Our mission is to conserve marine wildlife and habitats by deepening the connections between people and nature through research, community engagement, and first hand experience.

In the San Francisco area, we offer year-round whale watching and wildlife cruises to the Gulf of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary and along the coast. Internationally, we work to support the establishment and maintenance of locally managed marine reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. We also offer international expeditions and volunteer vacations that provide an opportunity for the public to learn about and enjoy natural habitats while supporting conservation efforts.